News Flash

Public Safety Drive-Through Fall Festival Coming Oct. 31

NEWS RELEASEPolice DepartmentOct. 26, 2020

The Winston-Salem Police Department is partnering with the Winston-Salem Police Foundation and Galilee Missionary Baptist Church to hold a free candy giveaway during a Public Safety Drive-Through Fall Festival, fr...

Veterans Day Parade Canceled

NEWS RELEASECity Manager’s OfficeOct. 23, 2020

The annual Veterans Day Parade will not be held this year due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Under the state’s Phase 3 guidelines, outdoor mass gatherings remain limited to no more than 50 peopl...

Oct. 30 Deadline for Past-Due Utility Bill Payment Plans

Water and sewer customers who fell behind paying bills during the pandemic have until Friday, Oct. 30 to enroll in payment plans in order to avoid late fees and other penalties on their bill. Winston-Salem/Forsyth County Utilities resumed charging late fe...

City Edition - October 2020

Read the newest edition of City Edition, plus sign up to receive the next one in your inbox.

Inside this month’s edition:

• On-Street Parking Enforcement Back in Effect
• Public Safety Agencies Holding Drive-Through “Trunk or Treat”...

Imagine a Day Without Water: E-Learning Resources

Winston-Salem/Forsyth County Utilities encouraged all citizens and businesses to “Imagine a Day Without Water” on Wednesday, Oct. 21. This nationwide day of education and advocacy on the value of water was especially poignant this year as communities acro...

Benton Convention Center Reopens with Cleanliness & Distancing Measures

NEWS RELEASECity Manager’s OfficeOct. 20, 2020

The Benton Convention Center is again open and hosting events and the staff has put in place a wide variety of measures to protect the health of attendees and event staff.

Under the state’s ...

Public Input Needed for Transportation Improvements

NEWS RELEASETransportation DivisionOct. 20, 2020

Local transportation planners are soliciting public input on what transportation improvements are needed in Winston-Salem and the surrounding area. They also want input on their plan for dealing with traffic...

Public Safety Drive-Thru Fall Festival

The Winston-Salem Police Department will have the 3rd annual Public Safety Drive-Thru Fall Festival event. This is a free event for all children and their families. Our hope is to promote a safe and fun way for families to trick or treat, from the trunks ...

October 2020 Public Review

The Transportation Advisory Committee (TAC) for the Winston-Salem Urban Area Metropolitan Planning Organization (WSMPO) serves as a forum for cooperative transportation planning and decision-making for the MPO region which includes Forsyth County and port...

City Offering Business Training Program; Class Registration Open

NEWS RELEASEOffice of Business Inclusion and AdvancementOct. 15, 2020

The city’s Office of Business Inclusion and Advancement is again offering a free nine-week business training course for people interested in starting a small business or who re...

Public Feedback Requested for Comprehensive Transportation Plan (CTP)

The Winston-Salem Urban Area MPO needs your input! We're working on a comprehensive regional transportation plan (CTP) update for the Winston-Salem Urban Area, including Forsyth County and portions of David, Davidson and Stokes Counties. &nbs...

Community Garden Volunteers Needed

Council Member Parmon along with the Recreation and Parks Department will host a community garden plant day on Saturday, October 31, 2020 from 9:00 a.m. -12:00 p.m.  This garden will be named in honor of the late Senator Earline Parmon.

 ...

Roots Day Canceled

NEWS RELEASECommunity Appearance CommissionOct. 6, 2020

The Community Appearance Commission, Keep Winston-Salem Beautiful, and the Winston-Salem Vegetation Management Department will not hold the annual Community Roots Day this year to avoid endangering th...

Carolina Classic Fair’s Drive Thru Drew Thousands

NEWS RELEASE FairgroundsOct. 6, 2020

The Carolina Classic Fair’s COVID-19-driven alternative, the Drive Thru, drew more than 10,000 visitors during its four-day run and provided a welcome boost to the Salvation Army and Crisis Control Ministries ...

Fire Department Assisting in Food Distribution

NEWS RELEASEFire DepartmentOct. 6, 2020

The Winston-Salem Fire Department is helping Galilee Baptist Church distribute free food boxes on Thursdays in October as part of the U.S. Agriculture Department’s Coronavirus Food Assistance Program.

One hu...

Mayor Joines Urges Residents to Follow COVID-19 Safety Guidelines This Halloween

NEWS RELEASEOffice of the MayorOct. 2, 2020

Mayor Allen Joines is urging residents to start planning now on ways to protect themselves and others this Halloween. State guidelines for safe Halloween parties and trick-or-treating offer options.

“The...

October is National Domestic Violence Awareness Month

October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month. During this time we recognize and honor survivors, and educate our friends, families, and communities about this uncomfortable issue in hopes of preventing future Domestic Violence. Domestic violence is the wi...

Winston-Salem Selected to Study Barriers for Postsecondary Students

NEWS RELEASEHuman RelationsSept. 30, 2020

The city of Winston-Salem has been selected to participate in a new initiative organized by the National League of Cities aimed at removing barriers to housing, transportation and other basic needs that can prevent...

On-Street Parking Enforcement Resumes Oct. 5

NEWS RELEASETransportationSept. 29, 2020

The city will resume enforcing on-street parking limits downtown effective Monday, Oct. 5. Parking meters or pay stations must be used if present, and time limits for both metered and unmetered spaces will be enforc...

Payment Plans for Past-Due Utility Bills

Water and sewer customers who have fallen behind paying bills during the pandemic have a limited opportunity to enroll in payment plans in order to avoid late fees and other penalties on their bill. Effective October 1, Winston-Salem/Forsyth County Utilit...

Answers to Frequently Asked Questions about the Drive Thru, Presented by the Carolina Classic Fair

NEWS RELEASEFairgroundsSept. 28, 2020

The Drive Thru, presented by the Carolina Classic Fair, will be held Thursday through Sunday, Oct. 1 – 4 to provide fair fans an opportunity to enjoy their favorite fair food, support local charities and part...

National Night Out (NNO) - Virtual

National Night or NNO, is a community/police campaign that is designed to heighten crime and drug prevention awareness, generate support for local anticrime programs, strengthen neighborhood and community/police partnerships, and send a message to crimina...

Inside Operations Newsletter

Inside Operations - September 2020

Read the newest edition of Inside Operations, plus sign up to receive the next one in your inbox.Inside this edition:

• We're thinking orange, are you?
• You can protect water quality!
• Leaf Collection begins November 2,...

High Schools to Hold Virtual Race Relations Forum

NEWS RELEASEHuman RelationsSept. 23, 2020

Students from Winston-Salem/Forsyth County high schools will discuss their perspectives on race relations during the annual Student Race Relations Forum, to be held virtually Thursday, Sept. 24, at 6 p.m. and strea...

Bolton Park Playground Upgrade

Beginning Monday, September 28, the Bolton Park playground will be closed for construction.

The playground is being upgraded with accessible, code compliant, and innovative equipment to serve the residents in years to come. The new playground will have equ...

Police Promotions Announced

NEWS RELEASEPolice DepartmentSept. 21, 2020

Police Chief Catrina Thompson announced today the promotion of 18 police officers and five non-sworn employees, including the promotion of Lieutenant Jose E. Gomez to captain. A promotion ceremony will be held 2 ...

Broad Street Closing Monday for Asphalt Repair

NEWS RELEASETransportationSept. 18, 2020

Broad Street, between First and Second streets, will be reduced to one northbound lane from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday, Sept. 21, to repair the asphalt road surface. Both southbound lanes will be closed and a detour se...

Get a Taste of the Carolina Classic Fair During the Drive Thru, Oct. 1-4

NEWS RELEASEFairgroundsSept. 16, 2020

Although the Carolina Classic Fair has been canceled this year due to the pandemic, fair fans can still indulge in their favorite fair food, support local charities and enjoy a drive–through “ride&a...

Marquis Barnett Appointed Human Resources Director

NEWS RELEASEOffice of the City ManagerSept. 14, 2020

City Manager Lee Garrity today announced the appointment of Marquis H. Barnett as the city’s human resources director. Barnett succeeds Carmen Caruth, who retired at the end of May. He will ass...

2020 Flower Bed Winners Announced

NEWS RELEASEKeep Winston-Salem BeautifulSept. 8, 2020

Keep Winston-Salem Beautiful and the Garden Club Council of Winston-Salem and Forsyth County have announced the winners of the 2020 Annual Flower Bed Program, which beautifies the city through the effor...

“No Wipes in Pipes” Wins Utility Award

The No Wipes in Pipes public education campaign won second place in the 2020 E Source Utility Ad Awards Contest during a virtual event on Sept. 8. Winston-Salem/Forsyth County Utilities entered the “Best Safety and Emergency or Outage Communicat...

Main Street Closing Saturday for Crane Work

NEWS RELEASETransportationAugust 26, 2020

Main Street between Fourth and Fifth streets will be closed Saturday, Aug. 29, from 7:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. A crane will be positioned in the street to lift equipment to the top of the Cardinal Hotel. A detour will ...

Review and Community Forum Scheduled on Police Budget

NEWS RELEASECity ClerkAugust 26, 2020

The Community Development, Housing and General Government Committee of the City Council is holding a virtual special meeting at 6 p.m. Monday, Aug. 31, to give residents an opportunity to ask questions or comment on th...

Draft of Transportation Plan Updates Posted; Virtual Review Sessions Scheduled

NEWS RELEASETransportationAugust 20, 2020

A draft of the updated plan for improving our transportation system over the coming 25 years is posted online. Five virtual review sessions have been scheduled to allow the public to provide feedback before the pla...

Commonwealth Drive Closing for Drainage Improvements

NEWS RELEASEStormwater DivisionAug. 19, 2020

The section of Commonwealth Drive between Letchworth Place and Rushland Drive will be closed to through traffic starting Monday, Aug. 24, to replace stormdrain pipes that pass under the street. The closure is sc...

Historically Underutilized Business (HUB) Certification Web Training Being Offered

NEWS RELEASEBusiness Inclusion & AdvancementAug. 17, 2020

Minority- and women-owned businesses can receive assistance in getting certified as historically underutilized businesses with the state of North Carolina through web-based training that will be...

African American Heritage Initiative Accepting Submissions

NEWS RELEASEHuman RelationsAug. 14, 2020

The city’s African American Heritage Initiative has created an online archive to capture the memories and recollections of African Americans who lived in Winston-Salem through the years of segregation and ...

Police to Hold School Supplies Giveaway

NEWS RELEASEPolice DepartmentAug. 13, 2020

The Winston-Salem Police Department and the Winston-Salem Police Foundation are sponsoring a school supplies giveaways at five locations Friday, Aug. 14, to help children in the community prepare for the coming sc...

Mayor Pro Tempore Adams Issues Statement on John Neville

NEWS RELEASEMayor Pro TemporeAug. 6, 2020

Mayor Pro Tempore and North Ward Council Member Denise D. Adams released the following statement regarding John Neville’s death:

“John Neville’s life mattered. John Neville should be al...

New Liberty Street Urban Farmers Market Accepting SNAP EBT Cards

NEWS RELEASEOperationsAug. 5, 2020

A new farmer’s market on Liberty Street, operated by the Urban Food Policy Council, will soon begin accepting SNAP EBT cards for payment.

The Liberty Street Urban Farmers Market is open from 4  to 6 p.m....

Fire Department Offering “Virtual” Citizen Fire Academy

NEWS RELEASEFire DepartmentAug. 5, 2020

Starting Monday, Aug. 10, the Winston-Salem Fire Department will begin a virtual Citizen Fire Academy featuring videos posted online in lieu of its traditional in-class program for city residents.

The virtual academy ...

Poplar Street Closing for Signal Pole Replacement

NEWS RELEASE TransportationAug. 5, 2020

Poplar Street, between Holly Avenue and 4 1/2 Street, will be closed to through traffic starting at 9 a.m. Monday, Aug. 10, to relocate a traffic signal cabinet and replace the signal pole at the intersection of Four...

Mayor Joines Issues Statement on Neville Video

NEWS RELEASEOffice of the MayorAug. 5, 2020

Mayor Allen Joines released the following statement regarding the video of John Neville’s death:

“We are living in challenging times and this is a difficult day for our city. The video of Mr. N...

Public Art Commission Seeking Bids to Restore Trade Street “Memory Wall of Peace and Love”

NEWS RELEASEPlanning and Development ServicesAug. 4, 2020

The Winston-Salem/Forsyth County Public Art Commission has sent out a request for bids seeking an artist or team of artists to repair and restore the “Memory Wall of Peace and Love&rdq...

City Edition - August 2020

Read the newest edition of City Edition, plus sign up to receive the next one in your inbox.

Inside this month’s edition:

• Winston-Salem Cancels the Carolina Classic Fair
• Fire Department Offering "Virtual" Citizen Fire Academy
• New Liberty S...

August Is Preparedness Month

NEWS RELEASEEmergency ManagementAug. 3, 2020

With the peak of hurricane season approaching, Forsyth County Emergency Management officials are encouraging residents and businesses to review and discuss their emergency plans and update their emergency supply...

Winston-Salem Cancels the 2020 Carolina Classic Fair

NEWS RELEASEFairgroundsJuly 28, 2020

Due to the rising trend in positive COVID-19 cases in Forsyth County and the on-going restrictions for mass gatherings statewide, the city of Winston-Salem is canceling the Carolina Classic Fair. The ten-day event had b...

Opportunity for Winston-Salem Artists

Opportunity for Winston-Salem Artists:

The Winston-Salem/Forsyth County Public Art Commission is seeking an artist or artist team to repair and lightly restore the Memory Wall of Peace and Love, an artwork created in 1999 by Gregory Warmack (1948-2012), ak...

All Pools Closing Until Further Notice

NEWS RELEASERecreation & ParksJuly 26, 2020

Recreation and Parks is closing all pools until further notice after learning that the employee who tested positive for COVID-19 had interactions outside of work with staff members from other pools.  ...

Virtual Public Meeting Scheduled for Transportation Plan

NEWS RELEASETransportationJuly 16, 2020

Residents can learn more about deficiencies in our current transportation network and hear recommendations on how they might be remedied during a virtual public meeting to be held online Thursday, July 23, at 5:30 p....

Joines Orders Masks to be Worn in All City Buildings

NEWS RELEASEOffice of the MayorJuly 16, 2020

Mayor Allen Joines today ordered that masks, shields or other face coverings be worn by anyone inside city government buildings, including City Hall, the Stuart Municipal Building, other enclosed city facilities...

City Schedules Trial of In-Street Dining for Downtown Restaurants July 25

NEWS RELEASEBusiness Inclusion & AdvancementJuly 16, 2020 

The city and the Downtown Winston-Salem Partnership are scheduled to test on July 25 a proposal to close portions of downtown streets on weekend nights to allow restaurants to set up t...

Bulky Item Collection Canceled for 2020

NEWS RELEASEOperationsJuly 10, 2020

Bulky item collection, which the city suspended in March due to the COVID-19 pandemic, will not be reinstated this year.

Johnnie Taylor, the city operations director, said that canceling bulky item collection is necessary...

City Edition - July 2020

Read the newest edition of City Edition, plus sign up to receive the next one in your inbox.

Inside this month’s edition:

• Old Greensboro Road Bridge Fully Closed
• Virtual Workshops Scheduled for Pedestrian Plan
• Community Meal Program Continues With N...

Mayor Seeks Applicants for Advisory Panels

NEWS RELEASEOffice of the MayorJuly 2, 2020

Mayor Allen Joines is accepting applications from city residents interested in serving on the following boards and commissions:

• Bicycle/Pedestrian/Active Mobility Advisory Committee. Members review plans, projects...

Virtual Workshops Scheduled for Pedestrian Plan

NEWS RELEASETransportation DepartmentJuly 2, 2020

The city will hold two virtual workshops in July to collect public feedback on where the city should make improvements in sidewalks, crosswalks, greenways and other pedestrian infrastructure. The workshops ...

Observance of Laws During Rallies/Protests

Since May 26, 2020, the Winston-Salem Police Department has provided law enforcement coverage to approximately 31 rallies/protests throughout the City. These rallies/protests have championed an array of social causes, which are being echoed throughout the...

City Council to Meet Online July 6

NEWS RELEASECity Clerk July 1, 2020

The July 6 meeting of the Winston-Salem City Council will be conducted online in order to comply with the social distancing recommendations for fighting the spread of the COVID-19 virus.  Provisions have been ma...

Changes in City Operations for Independence Day

NEWS RELEASEMarketing & CommunicationsJune 29, 2020

City offices will be closed Friday, July 3, for the Independence Day holiday. CityLink 311, the city’s citizen service call center, will not be staffed but non-911 emergency calls will be fo...

"8 Can't Wait" & Winston-Salem PD

The Winston-Salem Police Department has produced the following graphics to show how it stacks up with "8 Can’t Wait", a series of policy requests that have come out of recent George Floyd protests across the country.

See a full list of ...

Old Greensboro Road Bridge Closing Completely

NEWS RELEASEField OperationsJune 23, 2020

The bridge that carries Old Greensboro Road over Brushy Fork will be completely closed as a precaution starting mid-morning, Wednesday, June 24, to prevent a possible head-on collision in the lane of the bridge tha...

Virtual Town Trust Talk on Racial Unrest and Social Injustice Carried Live June 26 on WSTV

NEWS RELEASEHuman RelationsJune 22, 2020

A virtual “Town Trust Talk,” moderated by Wanda Starke of WXII and featuring Police Chief Catrina Thompson, Sheriff Bobby Kimbrough and James Perry, the chief executive officer of the Winston-Sal...

Main Street Closing This Weekend for Street Art Viewing

NEWS RELEASETransportationJune 19, 2020

The block of Main Street between First and Second streets will be closed from 7 a.m. Saturday, June 20, to 7 a.m. Monday, June 22, at the request of the Arts Council to allow residents to view the street art painted ...

Focus Event Group Announces “The Drive at Winston-Salem Fairgrounds”

Focus Event Group Announces “The Drive at Winston-Salem Fairgrounds” -- A Health & Safety Focused Drive-in Movie Venue

The Drive, a socially distanced drive-in movie and entertainment venue operated by Focus Event Group, is coming t...

Council Member Annette Scippio Tests Positive for COVID-19

NEWS RELEASECity Manager’s OfficeJune 17, 2020

City Council Member Annette Scippio has tested positive for COVID-19 and is self-isolating in her home. Scippio learned last week that she was exposed to the virus. In response, the council proactive...

WSTV to Air Virtual Juneteenth Celebration This Saturday

NEWS RELEASEMarketing and CommunicationsJune 16, 2020

WSTV Digital Media will air Triad Cultural Arts’ virtual Juneteenth Celebration on Saturday, June 20, from 3 to 5 p.m.  The program will include music, dance, crafts demonstrations, a...

New Public Art Commission Murals

Watch the virtual unveiling [https://www.facebook.com/cityofwinstonsalem/videos/vb.48638948196/289042725623802/?type=2&theater] of the City-County Public Art Commission’s latest murals, then go see them in person! Winston-Salem artist Hieron...

June 15 City Council Meeting to be Held Virtually

NEWS RELEASECity Clerk June 12, 2020

The Winston-Salem City Council will hold its June 15 meeting virtually. The council had been planning to meet in person at the Benton Convention Center. However, the city has decided to move to an online meeting due to ...

Provisions Announced for Public Participation in June 15 City Council Meeting

NEWS RELEASECity ClerkJune 11, 2020

The Winston-Salem City Council will hold a public hearing on the proposed city budget for 2020-21 during its meeting at 7 p.m. Monday, June 15. The council also will hold a public hearing on proposed economic development...

Human Relations Commission Issues Statement on National Unrest

NEWS RELEASEHuman RelationsJune 9, 2020                                       &n...

Follansbee Road Closing for Sewer Connection

NEWS RELEASETransportationJune 8, 2020

The 4500 block of Follansbee Road, between Bridgeton Road and Wilmore Drive, will be closed to through traffic Thursday, June 11, and Monday, June 15, to allow a contractor install a sewer connection and repave the ro...

Winston-Salem Wins Four Telly Awards

NEWS RELEASEMarketing and CommunicationsJune 5, 2020

A WSTV profile of Police Capt. Rick Newnum and a public service announcement for social medial about holiday collection changes were honored during the 2020 Telly Awards.

“Behind the Badge &...

Winston-Salem Police Department COVID-19 Preparations

Effective immediately, we are implementing the following steps for the safety and security of our community and department to slow the spread of the COVID-19 virus. We are cancelling all scheduled public facing events at this time until further notice.&am...

City Edition - June 2020

Read the newest edition of City Edition, plus sign up to receive the next one in your inbox.

Inside this month’s edition:

• $470.6 Million Budget Proposed for 2020-2021
• Brush Collection, Code Enforcement, Yard-Waste Fee Collection Resume
• Phase 2 Chang...

Eastbound Lane of Old Greensboro Road Bridge Closed

NEWS RELEASEJune 3, 2020

The eastbound lane of the bridge that carries Old Greensboro Road over Brushy Fork has been closed due to the unsafe condition of supporting beams under the eastbound travel lane. A detour using New Walkertown Road and Waterworks R...

Mayor Joines Issues Statement on the Death of George Floyd

NEWS RELEASEOffice of the MayorJune 1, 2020

Mayor Allen Joines joined 15 other North Carolina mayors in issuing the following joint statement on the death of George Floyd: 

“As mayors of cities in North Carolina, we have come together to ...

Human Relations to Assist Courts by Mediating COVID-Related Rent Disputes

NEWS RELEASEHuman RelationsMay 29, 2020

At the request of Chief District Judge Lisa Menefee, the Winston-Salem Human Relations Department on Monday, June 1, will begin mediating landlord-tenant disputes related to the non-payment of rent due to the COVID-1...

Upcoming City Bond Issue Earns Highest Possible Credit Ratings

NEWS RELEASEFinancial Management ServicesMay 29, 2020

All three credit rating agencies have assigned AAA ratings – their highest possible ratings -- to the $89 million in general obligation bonds the city is scheduled to sell in June. The high ra...

City Temporarily Allowing Expanded Outdoor Dining Downtown

NEWS RELEASEBusiness Inclusion & AdvancementMay 29, 2020 

The city is temporarily allowing downtown restaurants to expand their sidewalk dining areas beyond their immediate storefronts in order to give them a means of making up for lost capaci...

Brush Collection, Yard-Waste Fee Collection, Code Enforcement Resume June 1

NEWS RELEASEMarketing and CommunicationsMay 28, 2020

Brush collection and code enforcement in Winston-Salem will resume Monday, June 1. Also on Monday, city residents will again be charged fees for taking yard waste to the Forum 52 and Overdale Road yard-w...

Feedback Needed on Sidewalks & Other Improvements for Pedestrians

NEWS RELEASETransportation DepartmentMay 28, 2020

The city is in the early stages of updating its pedestrian plan and is seeking feedback about the safety, accessibility and comfort of walking routes throughout the city for everyday and recreational trips ...

$470.6 Million Budget Proposed for 2020-2021

NEWS RELEASEBudget and Evaluation OfficeMay 21, 2020

City services to residents would remain at current levels, but the city would implement a variety of belt-tightening measures to close a $13.4 million shortfall driven by the COVID-19 pandemic, under the...

Collection Changes for Memorial Day Holiday

NEWS RELEASESanitation DivisionMay 20, 2020

City offices will be closed Monday, May 25, for the Memorial Day holiday. CityLink 311, the city’s citizen service call center, will not be staffed but non-911 emergency calls will be forwarded to on-ca...

Mayor Joines’ Statement on the Death of Larry Womble

NEWS RELEASEOffice of the MayorMay 15, 2020

Mayor Allen Joines today released the following statement on the death of former board of alderman and state representative Larry Womble:

"On behalf of the citizens of Winston-Salem, I extend my deepest sympa...

City Council to Meet Online; Provisions Made for Public Comment Period

NEWS RELEASECity SecretaryMay 13, 2020

The May 18 meeting of the Winston-Salem City Council will be conducted online in order to comply with the social distancing recommendations for fighting the spread of the COVID-19 virus. The meeting will begin at the ...

Comprehensive Food Resources Information Posted Online

NEWS RELEASEOperationsMay 12, 2020

The city’s Think Orange website, ThinkOrangeWS.com, has new, interactive maps listing food resources in Winston-Salem and throughout Forsyth County for residents impacted by COVID-19. The information is availabl...

Portions of Main and Cemetery Streets Closing for Water Pipe Replacement

NEWS RELEASETransportationMay 11, 2020

The block of Main Street between Brookstown Avenue and Cemetery Street, as well as the block of Cemetery Street between Main and Liberty streets, will be closed to through traffic starting today, to allow a contractor...

Water Pipe Flushing Guidelines for Buildings Reopening for Business

As businesses around the area begin to reopen, Winston-Salem/Forsyth County Utilities urges owners and tenants of temporarily or partially closed buildings to ensure water is safe and odor free before resumption of normal water use.

Water may become stagna...

Mayor Pro Tempore Burke to Lie in State in City Hall

NEWS RELEASEOffice of the MayorMay 7, 2020 

Mayor Pro Tempore Vivian H. Burke will lie in state in the lobby of City Hall from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Friday, May 8, to allow city residents to pay their respects. The casket will be closed.

Visitors will ...

Statements on the Death of Council Member Burke

Members of the City Council and City Manager Lee Garrity made the following statements today on the death of Council Member Vivian H. Burke:

Council Member Dan Besse: “It was an honor to serve with Mayor Pro Tem Vivian H. Burke on the Winston-Sal...

Mayor Joines’ Statement on Council Member Vivian H. Burke

NEWS RELEASEOffice of the MayorMay 6, 2020

Mayor Allen Joines today released the following statement on the death of Council Member Vivian H. Burke, who died Tuesday evening:

"Council Member Vivian Burke was a remarkable woman who leaves a legacy of ac...

Portions of Liberty and Cemetery Streets Closing for Water Pipe Replacement

NEWS RELEASETransportationMay 4, 2020

The block of Liberty Street between First and Cemetery streets, as well as the block of Cemetery Street between Main and Liberty streets, will be closed to through traffic starting Tuesday, May 5, to allow a contractor...

Now’s the Time to Prepare for Hurricane Season

NEWS RELEASEEmergency ManagementMay 1, 2020

Winston-Salem/Forsyth County Emergency Management is encouraging residents to plan now for hurricane season by updating their emergency plans and supply kits. Hurricane season officially begins June 1 and runs th...

City Edition - May 2020

Read the newest edition of City Edition, plus sign up to receive the next one in your inbox.

Inside this month’s edition:

• Winston-Salem Wins $30 Million Grant to Transform Cleveland Avenue Homes
• City Panel Awards 23 COVID-19 Response Fund Grants
• Joi...

Joines Rescinds Stay-at-Home Order to Align Winston-Salem with State Order

NEWS RELEASEOffice of the MayorApril 29, 2020

Mayor Allen Joines today rescinded his current stay-at-home order and its provisions in order to bring the city under the provisions of the statewide order issued by Gov. Roy Cooper. Cooper’s order is...

Yard-Waste Collections To Resume May 4

NEWS RELEASESanitation DivisionApril 28, 2020

The city will resume yard-waste collections on Monday, May 4. Collections will be made Mondays through Thursdays in keeping with the regular collection schedule, for those households that have yard carts with c...

No Wipes in Pipes!

Toilet paper shortages have exposed the growing problem of wipes clogging our sewer system. As people run out of toilet tissue they may turn to other products. Unfortunately, “flushable” wipes are falsely labeled and are part of multip...

City Panel Awards 23 COVID-19 Response Fund Grants

NEWS RELEASECity Manager’s OfficeApril 27, 2020

Twenty-three local agencies and other non-profit groups were selected to receive grants from the city’s portion of the COVID-19 Response Fund for Forsyth County.

The largest single grant, o...

Winston-Salem Wins $30 Million Grant to Transform Cleveland Avenue Homes

NEWS RELEASECommunity DevelopmentApril 23, 2020

Winston-Salem has been selected to receive a $30 million federal grant to transform the aging Cleveland Avenue Homes public housing neighborhood and the surrounding area under the Choice Neighborhoods Initiat...

City Committee To Review COVID-19 Fund Grant Requests April 24

NEWS RELEASECity SecretaryApril 20, 2020

The Citizens’ Bond Oversight Committee will hold a special online meeting Friday, April 24, from 2 to 5 p.m. to review applications and award grants from the city’s $1 million contribution to the...

Drink Up! Our Tap Water Surpasses Federal Requirements

Our local drinking water surpasses all safe water quality standards established by the Environmental Protection Agency. The Winston-Salem/Forsyth County Utilities 2019 Water Quality Report is available at cityofws.org/waterquality2019 or cityofws.org/wqr2...

Application Deadline for COVID-19 Response Fund Grants Is Thursday, April 16

NEWS RELEASECity Manager’s OfficeApril 15, 2020

Local agencies that want to apply for a grant from the COVID-19 Response Fund for Forsyth County have until 5 p.m. Thursday, April 16, to submit their grant request. A link to the application portal...

City Council to Meet Online; Provisions Made for Public Comment Period

NEWS RELEASECity Secretary April 15, 2020

The April 20 meeting of the Winston-Salem City Council will be conducted online in order to comply with the social distancing recommendations for fighting the spread of the COVID-19 virus. The meeting will begin at...

Portions of Brookstown Avenue and Main Street Closing for Sewer Replacement

NEWS RELEASETransportationApril 15, 2020

The block of Brookstown Avenue between Liberty and Main streets, as well as the block of Main Street south of Brookstown Avenue, will be closed to through traffic starting Monday, April 20, to allow a contractor to ...

“Virtual” Forsyth Creek Week Available Online April 13 - 19

NEWS RELEASEStormwater/Erosion ControlApril 9, 2020

The organizers of Forsyth Creek Week, which was canceled last month due to the coronavirus pandemic, are holding a "virtual" Creek Week from April 13 – 19 with videos and activities po...

City Council Committee Meetings Canceled

NEWS RELEASECity Secretary April 9, 2020

The April meetings of the City Council committees, scheduled for April 13 and 14, have been canceled. Critical action items will be considered by the full council at its meeting on April 20. Consideration of other i...

City Churches Urged to Ring Bells

NEWS RELEASEOffice of the MayorApril 8, 2020

Mayor Allen Joines is urging churches and other faith-based institutions in the community to ring their bells at noon on Friday, April 10, and again at noon on Sunday, April 12, as a sign of solidarity in the fi...

City Seeking Comment on Draft Housing/Community Development Plan

NEWS RELEASECommunity DevelopmentApril 8, 2020

City officials are soliciting public feedback on their draft plan for using federal money to address the housing needs of low- and moderate-income residents, homeless residents and those with disabilities, as ...

City Response Fund Allocation To Have Oversight

NEWS RELEASEOffice of the MayorApril 7, 2020

In response to recent concerns cited by citizens and members of the City Council, Mayor Allen Joines noted that no city money has been allocated yet by the COVID-19 Response Fund for Forsyth County and that the ...

Mayor Joines Hosting Interfaith Hour of Prayer

NEWS RELEASEOffice of the MayorApril 7, 2020

Mayor Allen Joines will host a non-denominational hour of prayer and inspiration featuring local faith leaders Friday, April 10, at 10 a.m. on the city of Winston-Salem YouTube channel.

Participants will include ...

Friday Garbage Collection Changed for Easter Holiday

City offices will be closed Friday, April 10, for the Easter holiday. CityLink, the city’s citizen service call center, will be staffed from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. to assist citizens and will be available outside of those hours for water, sewer and ot...

City Edition - April 2020

Read the newest edition of City Edition, plus sign up to receive the next one in your inbox.

Inside this month’s edition:

• COVID-19 NEWS
  • Stay-at-home Order in Effect
  • Bulky Item Collections Suspended
  • City Allocates 1 Million to Help Economic Victims of...

Electrical Work to Affect Cherry & Fourth Streets

NEWS RELEASETransportationApril 2, 2020

The block of Fourth Street between Cherry and Marshall streets will be closed Monday, April 6, from 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. to allow Duke Energy crews to pull electric cables through manholes. The work will also close a ...

City Council to Meet Online

NEWS RELEASECity SecretaryApril 1, 2020

The April 6 meeting of the Winston-Salem City Council will be conducted online in order to comply with the social distancing recommendations for fighting the spread of the COVID-19 virus. The meeting will begin at th...

City Suspending Non-Essential Services

NEWS RELEASEMarketing and CommunicationsApril 1, 2020

Starting Monday, April 6, the city will suspend a variety of non-essential city services in response to the continued spread of the COVID-19 virus in Winston-Salem and Forsyth County. 

Under the...

Bulky Item Collections Suspended

NEWS RELEASESanitation DivisionMarch 30, 2020

The city has suspended its annual bulky item collection until further notice due to the impact of the COVID-19 virus. Suspending collections will ensure sufficient staffing for garbage collections and prevent c...

Fourth Street Closing for Construction Crane

NEWS RELEASETransportationMarch 27, 2020

The block of Fourth Street between Patterson Avenue and Chestnut Street will be closed for five days starting at 7 a.m. Wednesday, April 1, to allow a crane to install glass on a building under construction. Work is...

Mayor Joines Issues Stay-at-Home Order

NEWS RELEASEMarketing and CommunicationsMarch 25, 2020

Effective Friday at 5 p.m., Mayor Joines is ordering all city residents to stay home in light of "a significant and increasing number of suspected cases of community transmission and likely furthe...

City Closing City Hall & Stuart Building to All but Essential Personnel

With the continued spread of the COVID-19 virus in Forsyth County, as of Wednesday the city is closing City Hall and the Stuart Municipal Building to most outside visitors and ordering all non-essential employees in those buildings to stay home. Employees...

Inspections Division Open for Business During COVID-19 Event

Dear Building Industry Partner:

Our WS/FC Inspections Division “IS” open for business. While there may be restrictions in how some of our services are performed, our goal is to maintain effective service levels and continue to offer you...

Historically Underutilized Business (HUB) Certification Web Training Being Offered

NEWS RELEASEBusiness Inclusion & AdvancementMarch 20, 2020

Minority- and women-owned businesses can receive assistance certifying or re-certifying as historically underutilized businesses with the state of North Carolina through web-based training that...

City Allocating Up To $1 Million to Help Economic Victims of COVID-19

NEWS RELEASEOffice of the MayorMarch 18, 2020

The city will contribute up to $1 million to match contributions to the new COVID-19 Response Fund for Forsyth County that community leaders announced today to support residents economically impacted by the COV...

Inspections Division Procedure Changes to Minimize the Threat of COVID-19

Walk-ins WILL NOT be accepted. 

Commercial and sign applications are only accepted through IDT (digital plan submittal).

Residential single family applications (new construction, alterations, and additions) can be submitted through email to a permi...

City Council Members in Self-Isolation

NEWS RELEASEMarketing and CommunicationsMarch 17, 2020

Six members of the Winston-Salem City Council and two city staff members are in self-isolation until March 26 on the advice of the Forsyth County public health director after learning this afternoon th...

City Announces Further Steps to Address COVID-19 Threat

NEWS RELEASEMarketing and CommunicationsMarch 15, 2020

Mayor Allen Joines, Mayor Pro Tempore Vivian H. Burke and the members of the Winston-Salem City Council have approved additional measures to keep the community safe and ensure delivery of essential ser...

Mayor Joines Declares State of Emergency

NEWS RELEASEOffice of the MayorMarch 13, 2020

Mayor Allen Joines has declared a state of emergency in Winston-Salem as of 7 p.m. Friday, March 13, to better equip the city to fight the spread of COVID-19. 

The declaration notes that the Centers for...

City Activities and Events Canceled

NEWS RELEASEMarketing and CommunicationsMarch 13, 2020

In accordance with guidance from Mayor Allen Joines and City Manager Lee Garrity, the city is canceling all non-essential city-sponsored activities and events in order to slow the spread of COVID-19. E...

City Government Stepping up COVID-19 Measures

NEWS RELEASEOffice of the MayorMarch 12, 2020

With two confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Forsyth County, Mayor Allen Joines announced that the city is taking additional measures to slow the spread of the disease within the community and within the city workfo...

Local Governance Study Commission Recommends 10-Member City Council With Two At-Large Seats

NEWS RELEASEOffice of the MayorMarch 12, 2020

The members of Winston-Salem Local Governance Study Commission voted yesterday to recommend that Winston-Salem change to a 10-member city council, with eight members elected by wards and two elected citywide by...

Mayor Seeks Applicants for Bicycle/Pedestrian/Active Mobility Advisory Committee

NEWS RELEASEOffice of the MayorMarch 10, 2020

Mayor Allen Joines is accepting applications from city residents interested in serving on the Bicycle/Pedestrian/Active Mobility Advisory Committee, a new advisory panel the City Council authorized in November ...

City Edition - March 2020

Read the newest edition of City Edition, plus sign up to receive the next one in your inbox.

Inside this month’s edition:

• Bulky Item Collection Begins March 2
• Information Sessions on Downtown Two-Way Street Conversions 
• Learn More about Cit...

SOAR Program Accepting Applications

NEWS RELEASEBusiness Inclusion and AdvancementMarch 5, 2020

The city is accepting applications for its Successful Outcomes After Release (SOAR) program through 11:59 p.m. March 25, 2020.

SOAR is a six-month program that provides gainful employment to former...

City Government Preparing in Case Coronavirus Impacts Winston-Salem

NEWS RELEASEOffice of the MayorMarch 4, 2020

In light of the continued spread of the coronavirus, the city is taking steps to ensure that critical municipal operations continue to function if there is a serious outbreak in Winston-Salem, Mayor Allen Joines...

Tornado Drill March 4 Highlights Severe Weather Preparedness Week

NEWS RELEASEEmergency ManagementMarch 2, 2020

Emergency Management officials are encouraging residents to participate in the statewide tornado drill at 9:30 a.m. Wednesday, March 4, to ensure that they are prepared for severe weather that may occur this sp...

Information Sessions Scheduled on Peacehaven and Polo Road Recommendations

NEWS RELEASETransportationFeb. 26, 2020

City transportation officials will hold separate information sessions March 4 and March 5 to allow residents to learn about recommendations for improvements to Peacehaven and Polo roads.

The Peacehaven Road informatio...

Information Meeting Rescheduled for Small Business Plan Competition

NEWS RELEASEOffice of Business Inclusion and AdvancementFeb. 26, 2020

The information meeting for the city’s 2020 Small Business Plan Competition has been rescheduled for Thursday, March 5, at 6 p.m. in the Committee Room (Room 239) of City Hall,...

Milling/Repaving Work Scheduled for Robinhood Road

NEWS RELEASEStreets DivisionFeb. 26, 2020

The portion of Robinhood Road between Buena Vista and Stratford roads is scheduled to be milled and repaved starting at 8 a.m. Monday, March 2, weather permitting. Traffic along this portion will be controlled by f...

Bulky Item Collection Begins March 2

NEWS RELEASESanitation DivisionFeb. 24, 2020

The city’s annual bulky item pick-up begins March 2 and will run through Sept. 4. Collection crews will go through the city street by street, collecting bulky items that garbage crews cannot accept. Fu...

Bethania Station Road Closure Postponed

NEWS RELEASETransportationFeb. 21, 2020

The closure of Bethania Station Road, from Shattalon Drive to Tenney Lane, scheduled for next week has been postponed. The forecast for rain will prevent the contractor from repaving the street. A new closure plan wi...

Information Sessions Scheduled on Downtown Two-Way Street Conversions

City transportation officials will hold four drop-in information sessions starting Thursday, Feb. 27, on plans to convert First, Second, Liberty and Main streets downtown to two-way traffic.

Sessions will be held:

• Thursday, Feb. 27, 5:30 - 7:30 p.m., at the...

Utilities Department Celebrates Engineers

City of Winston-Salem social media accounts have featured profiles of engineers in the utilities department as part of Engineers Week. Founded by the National Society of Professional Engineers in 1951, this year EWeek is February 16-22. It is “d...

Meadowlark Drive Closing for Stormwater Pipe Repairs

NEWS RELEASETransportationFeb. 20, 2020

Meadowlark Drive, between Rosewind Lane and Hundley Road, will be closed to through traffic starting at 6 a.m. Saturday, Feb. 22, to repair damage to a stormwater pipe. Work is scheduled to be completed and the road ...

Akron Drive Extension Update Session Postponed

NEWS RELEASETransportationFeb. 20, 2020

The drop-in session for the Akron Drive extension scheduled for tonight has been postponed due to the forecast for winter weather. A new date will be announced later. For more information call CityLink 311.

Human Relations Student Awards Banquet Postponed

NEWS RELEASEHuman RelationsFeb. 20, 2020

The Human Relations Student Awards Banquet scheduled for tonight has been postponed due to the forecast for snow this afternoon. A new date will be announced later. For more information call CityLink 311.

City Sponsoring Estimating & Bidding Seminar for M/WBE Businesses

NEWS RELEASEBusiness Inclusion & AdvancementFeb. 14, 2020 

"Estimating & Bidding 101," a free seminar to help minority- and women-owned businesses improve their bidding and estimating process, will be held Feb. 25 at the Enterpri...

Workforce Development Internship Program for High School Juniors & Seniors Announced

NEWS RELEASEOffice of the MayorFeb. 13, 2020

As part of the comprehensive program to reduce poverty and promote workforce development and economic mobility, Mayor Allen Joines, Winston-Salem/Forsyth County Schools Superintendent Angela Hairston, Winston-Sa...

Students to be Honored at 40th Annual Human Relations Student Awards Banquet

NEWS RELEASEHuman RelationsFeb. 13, 2020                                       &...

City Kicking Off Small Business Plan Competition; Information Meeting Set

NEWS RELEASEOffice of Business Inclusion and AdvancementFeb. 13, 2020

The city is holding its Small Business Plan Competition again in 2020 and will hold an information meeting Feb. 20 for entrepreneurs interested in participating. The meeting will be held...

African American Heritage Initiative Seeks Volunteers for Community Collection Teams

NEWS RELEASEHuman RelationsFeb. 10, 2020

The African American Heritage Initiative Committee is seeking city residents to serve on one or more of the nine “collection teams” it is organizing to capture the memories and recollections of A...

City Edition - February 2020

Read the newest edition of City Edition, plus sign up to receive the next one in your inbox.

Inside this month’s edition:

• City Observing Black History Month
• Fairgrounds Unveils Logo for Carolina Classic Fair
• Nominations Sought for Walk of Fame
• Regist...

Local Governance Study Commission Seeking Survey Responses

NEWS RELEASEOffice of the MayorFeb. 5, 2020

The members of Winston-Salem Local Governance Study Commission are seeking more responses to their online survey on how the mayor and City Council members should be elected.

The survey has seven questions and seek...

City Observing Black History Month

NEWS RELEASEMarketing & CommunicationsJan. 30, 2020

The city is observing Black History Month in February with the annual Showcase of Song, the Public Safety Black History Month Celebration, special programs in city recreation centers, social media pos...

Prevent Frozen Pipes

When temperatures drop, it’s time to protect your water pipes. Winston-Salem/Forsyth County Utilities encourages customers to consider how freezing water can damage home plumbing systems. Unprotected pipes can crack or break, resulting in floodi...

Police Holding "Pastors on Patrol" Training Thursday

NEWS RELEASEPolice DepartmentJan. 21, 2020

The Winston-Salem Police Department will hold a training session Thursday, Jan. 23, for religious leaders who want to participate in the "Pastors on Patrol" initiative. The training will be held from 11 ...

Local Governance Study Commission Holding Public Information/Input Sessions

NEWS RELEASEOffice of the MayorJan. 17, 2020

The Winston-Salem Local Governance Study Commission is holding three public sessions at the end of January to brief city residents on the various ways the City Council could be restructured, and to collect publi...

"Young Dreamers" To Be Honored

NEWS RELEASEHuman RelationsJan. 17, 2020

The City Council and the Human Relations Commission will honor two city residents as the 2020 recipients of the Martin Luther King Jr. Young Dreamers Award at the City Council meeting Jan. 21.

The Young Dreamers Awar...

Fairgrounds Unveils Logo for Carolina Classic Fair

NEWS RELEASEFairgroundsJan. 17, 2020

The Winston-Salem Fairgrounds today unveiled the logo for the Carolina Classic Fair, to be held Oct. 2-11, 2020.

The logo uses a starburst pattern of light bars arrayed around an outline of North Carolina and the words C...

Collection Changes for Martin Luther King Jr. Day Holiday

NEWS RELEASESanitation DivisionJan. 15, 2020

City offices will be closed Monday, Jan. 20, to observe Martin Luther King Jr. Day. CityLink 311, the city’s citizen service call center, will not be staffed but non-911 emergency calls will be forward...

Fairgrounds Hosting N.C. Archery & Junior Olympic Archery Development Championships

NEWS RELEASEFairgroundsJan. 9, 2020

Archers from throughout North Carolina will converge on the Fairgrounds Education Building on Saturday, Jan. 11, for the North Carolina 2020 USA Archery and Junior Olympic Archery Development championships. More than 100...

Police Accepting Applications for Citizens' Police Academy

NEWS RELEASEPolice DepartmentJan. 7, 2020

The Winston-Salem Police Department is accepting applications for the next Citizens' Police Academy, which will start April 30.

The Citizens’ Police Academy is a 13-week program that meets once a week to b...

Nominations Sought for Walk of Fame

NEWS RELEASEMarketing and CommunicationsJan. 7, 2020

Nominations are being accepted through Feb. 28 for the Winston-Salem’s Arts, Culture, and Entertainment Memorial Walk of Fame at the Benton Convention Center.

The Walk of Fame honors deceased Wi...

Mayor Joines Statement on Death of Former Council Member Wanda Merschel

NEWS RELEASEOffice of the MayorJan. 4, 2020

Mayor Allen Joines issued the following statement today upon the death of former City Council Member Wanda Merschel:

"Wanda was a true public servant who loved this city. She leaves a lasting legacy that we w...

City Edition - January 2020

Read the newest edition of City Edition, plus sign up to receive the next one in your inbox.

Inside this month's edition:

• Local Governance Study Commission Holding Public Information/Input Sessions
• Learn More about City Recreation Opportunities at Open House...

Applicants Sought for Community Appearance Commission

NEWS RELEASECity SecretaryDec. 31, 2019

Mayor Pro Tempore Vivian H. Burke is accepting applications from citizens interested in filling a vacancy on the Winston-Salem/Forsyth County Community Appearance Commission.

Any citizen with an interest in the commis...

Recycle Your Christmas Tree

NEWS RELEASEVegetation ManagementDec. 30, 2019

The city will collect Christmas trees and put them to good use as mulch for its parks and roadsides.

Residents in single family homes inside the city limits can put their Christmas trees at the curb for pick-up...

Mayor Joines Statement on Lowery Street Shooting

NEWS RELEASEOffice of the MayorDec. 20, 2019

Mayor Allen Joines today released the following statement about the shooting this morning at the Joycelyn V. Johnson Municipal Services Center:

"On behalf of the City Council, I want to express how deeply sa...

Some Friday Sanitation Collections To Be Delayed

Some Sanitation Division collections scheduled for Friday, Dec. 20, will be delayed. Residents should leave their carts out at the curb pending a make-up collection.

Police Inviting Religious Leaders to Learn About “Pastors on Patrol” Initiative

NEWS RELEASEPolice DepartmentDec. 19, 2019

The Winston-Salem Police Department is inviting pastors, ministers, priests, rabbis, imams and other religious leaders to attend an informational lunch Jan. 9 to learn about a new initiative called "Pastors o...

Collection Changes, CityLink Staffing for Christmas and New Year’s Holidays

NEWS RELEASESanitation DivisionDec. 18, 2019

City offices will be closed Wednesday, Dec. 25, for the Christmas holiday and Wednesday, Jan. 1, for the New Year’s Day holiday. CityLink 311, the city’s citizen service call center, will be ...

Police Promotions Announced

NEWS RELEASEPolice DepartmentDec. 12, 2019

Police Chief Catrina Thompson announced today the promotion of 20 police officers and four non-sworn employees, including the promotion of Lieutenant Brian W. Dobey to captain.

Dobey has served 25 years in the Poli...

Local Governance Study Commission Briefed by Former Mayors, Plans Public Input Sessions

NEWS RELEASEOffice of the MayorDec. 5, 2019

During their meeting Dec. 4 the members of Winston-Salem Local Governance Study Commission were briefed by the former mayors of Durham and Greensboro on how their councils were elected and their experiences with ...

Mayor Joines Hosting Tenth Annual City Hall Holiday Music Series

NEWS RELEASEOffice of the MayorDec. 4, 2019

Mayor Allen Joines is inviting city residents and downtown workers to City Hall to hear traditional and contemporary holiday music during the tenth annual City Hall Holiday Music Series, to be held Dec. 9-13. All...

Prepare Now for Winter Weather

NEWS RELEASEEmergency ManagementDec. 2, 2019

State and local officials are encouraging North Carolinians to plan and prepare now for winter storms, during Winter Weather Preparedness Week, Dec. 1 - 7.

August Vernon, the director of Winston-Salem/Forsyth Cou...

Information Session on Upcoming City Capital Projects

NEWS RELEASEBusiness Inclusion & AdvancementNov. 27, 2019

The city’s M/WBE Division and the Access Center for Equity & Success are holding an information session and networking opportunity Thursday, Dec. 12, to brief minority- and women-o...

Outstanding Women Leaders Committee Accepting Scholarship Applications

NEWS RELEASEMarketing and CommunicationsNov. 21, 2019

The Outstanding Women Leaders Program Committee is accepting applications for its 2020 Future Outstanding Women Leaders Scholarship, to be awarded next spring. Applications must be submitted by Jan. 31....

Collection Changes, CityLink Staffing for Thanksgiving Holiday

NEWS RELEASESanitation DivisionNov. 20, 2019

City offices will be closed Thursday and Friday, Nov. 28 and 29, for the Thanksgiving holiday. CityLink 311, the city’s citizen service call center, will be closed on Thanksgiving Day but will be open ...

Shop for Unique Gifts at the Handcrafted Holiday Showcase this Saturday

NEWS RELEASEFairgroundsNov. 19, 2019

More than 30 crafters will be offering hand-made, one-of-a-kind holiday gifts on Saturday, Nov. 23, during the Handcrafted Holiday Showcase, from 8 a.m. to noon at the Fairgrounds Farmers Market.

Participating crafters w...

Winston-Salem Again Ranked as a Top 10 Digital City

NEWS RELEASEInformation SystemsNov. 15, 2019

For the 18th year in a row Winston-Salem has been ranked as one of the top 10 most technology-savvy cities of its size in America by the Center for Digital Government, a national research and advisory institute....

Historic Marker for Local AKA Sorority Chapter to be Unveiled

NEWS RELEASEHistoric Resources CommissionNov. 13, 2019

A local historic marker commemorating the Phi Omega chapter of the Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Inc. will be unveiled at 11 a.m. Friday, Nov. 15, on the south side of Martin Luther King Jr. Drive between...

New Initiative Ensures Low-Income High School Graduates Can Attend College

NEWS RELEASEOffice of the MayorNov. 13, 2019

Under a new initiative intended to alter the cycle of poverty, students in low-income households who graduate from any high school in Forsyth County will be able to attend Forsyth Technical Community College fre...

Local Governance Study Commission Briefed on Other City Councils

NEWS RELEASEOffice of the MayorNov. 6, 2019

During their November meeting yesterday the members of Winston-Salem Local Governance Study Commission were briefed on how several other cities and towns in North Carolina elect their city officials.

Jim Westmorel...

First Responders Holding Training Drill at Airport on Saturday

NEWS RELEASEEmergency ManagementNov. 6, 2019

More than 250 first responders representing 20 agencies will be participating in a large-scale training exercise on Saturday morning, Nov. 9, at Smith Reynolds Airport and three other locations. Residents may se...

Collection Changes for Veterans Day Holiday

NEWS RELEASESanitation DivisionNov. 6, 2019

City offices will be closed Monday, Nov. 11, for the Veterans Day holiday. CityLink 311, the city’s citizen service call center, will not be staffed but non-911 emergency calls will be forwarded to on-c...

Symposium on Gentrification and Related Issues Scheduled for Nov. 6

NEWS RELEASEHuman RelationsOct. 29, 2019

The Human Relations Department and the New Horizons Fair Housing Committee of the Human Relations Commission are holding a free day-long symposium Wednesday, Nov. 6, on gentrification and the issues it raises for ne...

Leaf Collection Begins Nov. 4

NEWS RELEASESanitation DivisionOct. 29, 2019

City crews will start collecting leaves on Monday, Nov. 4, in the eastern quadrant of the city (quadrant 1), which is the area roughly east of U.S. 52 and New Walkertown Road.

Collection will proceed clockwise by...

Ribbon Cutting Scheduled for Emmanuel Retirement Village

NEWS RELEASEMarketing and CommunicationsOct. 23, 2019

City residents are invited to join Mayor Allen Joines and members of the City Council at a ribbon-cutting ceremony for Emmanuel Retirement Village at 10 a.m. Friday, Oct. 25, at 1605 Village Meadow Circ...

Winston-Salem Posts Healthy Job Growth

NEWS RELEASEOffice of the MayorOct. 17, 2019

Non-farm employment in the Winston-Salem metropolitan area grew by more than 3.9 percent from August 2017 to August 2019, according to preliminary data released by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, rising to ...

Linda Jackson Barnes Appointed to N.C. Human Relations Commission

NEWS RELEASEOffice of the MayorOct. 16, 2019

Linda Jackson Barnes, the director of Mayor Allen Joines’ office, has been appointed by Gov. Roy Cooper to a four-year term on the N.C. Human Relations Commission. Barnes was sworn in Sept. 26.&nbs...

Electric Scooters Returning to Winston-Salem

News Release • Transportation Department • Oct. 9, 2019

Electric scooters are scheduled to reappear in Winston-Salem on Friday, Oct. 11, when Zagster, in partnership with Spin, will put out 100 Spin scooters for public use. A second compa...

Local Governance Study Commission Briefed on Districting Standards

NEWS RELEASEOffice of the MayorOct. 2, 2019

During their October meeting yesterday the members of Winston-Salem Local Governance Study Commission were briefed on constitutional and legal standards for re-drawing council ward lines and for adding at-large s...

Applications Available for City of Winston-Salem University

NEWS RELEASEMarketing & CommunicationsOct. 2, 2019

The city is accepting applications for the next class of City of Winston-Salem University, to be held for 12 weeks starting Jan. 30, 2020. This free program gives citizens a better understanding of cit...

Winston-Salem M/WBE Mixer

See the events below.

Winston-Salem Police Department has joined Neighbors

We are excited to announce that the Winston-Salem Police Department has joined Neighbors!  While this app will not be monitored by law enforcement 24/7, WSPD can see crime and safety related information posted on the Neighbors app.  So t...

WSPD Temporarily Suspends Fallen Officer Ceremonies

Due to ongoing construction and renovation at the Vivian H. Burke Public Safety Center (Winston-Salem Police Headquarters), specifically in the area of the Fallen Officer Memorial Wall, the Winston-Salem Police Department is temporarily suspending its Fal...

Construction At Vivian H. Burke Public Safety Center

Beginning on Monday, September 9, 2019, the main front (public) entrance to the Vivian H. Burke Public Safety Center located at 725 N. Cherry Street will be closed due to renovations. Operations within the building will remain open during this time. Upon ...

Applicants Sought for Community Appearance Commission

NEWS RELEASECity SecretarySept. 3, 2019

Mayor Pro Tempore Vivian H. Burke is accepting applications from citizens interested in filling a vacancy on the Winston-Salem/Forsyth County Community Appearance Commission.

The vacancy must be filled by a person who...

Fire Department Receives $10,000 Grant for Rescue Equipment

NEWS RELEASEFire Department Sept. 3, 2019

The Duke Energy Foundation has awarded the Winston-Salem Fire Department a $10,000 grant that the department will use to purchase equipment for its swift water rescue team.

Capt. Chris Belcher said the department wi...

Truliant Steps Up to Support Think Orange Corporate Investment Fund

NEWS RELEASEOffice of the MayorAugust 22, 2019

Truliant Federal Credit Union is the first entity to make a substantial multi-year pledge to support the city’s Think Orange campaign to combat hunger in Winston-Salem. Truliant’s $25,000 p...

Police Promotions Announced

NEWS RELEASEPolice DepartmentAug. 15, 2019

Police Chief Catrina Thompson announced today the promotion of eight police officers and one non-sworn employee, including the promotion of Captain William H. Penn to assistant chief.

Penn has served 21 years in th...

"Watch for Me" Campaign Commencing with Education, Then Enforcement

NEWS RELEASETransportation DepartmentAugust 14, 2019 

Winston-Salem’s "Watch for Me" campaign to promote pedestrian and bicycle safety will officially begin Wednesday, Aug. 14, with a public-awareness campaign. Stepped-up enfor...

Council Member Denise D. Adams Statement on Shooting Death of Julius Randolph Sampson

NEWS RELEASECity CouncilAug. 9, 2019

City Council Member Denise D. Adams today released the following statement about the shooting death of Julius R. Sampson Jr. on Aug. 6:

"This week we lost a beloved and valuable member of our community. Julius "...

Mayor Joines Statement on Hanes Mall Shooting

NEWS RELEASEOffice of the MayorAug. 7, 2019

Mayor Allen Joines today released the following statement about the shooting outside Hanes Mall on Aug. 6:

"On behalf of our entire city, I offer sincere condolences to the family of Mr. Julius Randolph Samps...

Funeral Arrangements for Bill Stuart Announced

NEWS RELEASEMarketing and CommunicationsAug. 6, 2019

Funeral Arrangements for Bill Stuart Announced; Memorial Book Available for Citizens to Express Their Condolences

The funeral for retired City Manager Bill Stuart will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, Aug. 10...

Bill Stuart Dies; Winston-Salem’s Longest-Serving City Manager

NEWS RELEASECity Manager’s OfficeAug. 3, 2019

Bryce A. "Bill" Stuart, who guided Winston-Salem city government for 26 years as its longest-serving city manager, died this morning of complications from pneumonia. He was 79. 

Stua...

Bond Projects

Check the progress of bond projects voters approved in 2014 and 2018.

Citizen Fingerprinting Location Moving September 1

The services for Citizen Fingerprinting will be moved from the Public Safety Center on 725 N. Cherry St. to the Alexander R. Beaty Public Safety Training and Support Center located at 1200 N. Patterson Ave. effective September 1, 2019.

Hours will remain th...

WSFC Utilities Strategic Plan

On July 8, 2019, the Winston-Salem/Forsyth County Utility Commission approved a Strategic Plan covering 2020-2024 for our utilities department. Check out our online version to see our new vision, mission and values statements, plus our goals and the strat...

Archie Elledge Wastewater Treatment Plant - 2017 Award

The Central Region of the N.C. Professional Wastewater Operators Committee selected the Archie Elledge Wastewater Treatment Plant in Winston Salem for its 2017 Operations & Maintenance Excellence Award.

The award is given annually to a wastewater treat...

Police Promotions Announced

NEWS RELEASEPolice DepartmentJan. 19, 2019

Police Chief Catrina Thompson announced today the promotions of 10 police officers and four non-sworn personnel:

To Sergeant:  Corporal Barry Martin.

To Corporal: Officers Samuel Diamont, James Gordon, Fleu...

Body Cam Video of Baldwin Arrest Posted On WSPD Website

NEWS RELEASEMarketing and CommunicationsNov. 9, 2018

The body-camera video that shows the arrest of Rockael Baldwin on Oct. 5 at Hanes Magnet Middle School has been posted on the Police Department’s website. Superior Court Judge Anderson Cromer s...